Benton Harbor City Commissioners have approved the Harbor Riverfest, to be held August 6 and 7 at Yarbrough Park along the St. Joseph River. Speaking during a Monday meeting, Mayor Marcus Muhammad said the event, largely organized by volunteers, would be good for the community.
“To me, given everything that has happened and gone on, we need something positive in the community, in the city, for the people,” Muhammad said.
Harbor Riverfest is being organized by a group of community leaders, stakeholders, and citizens. The approved resolution says it could feature concerts, a run, food trucks, and a showcase of local talent. One of the supporters is Commissioner Sharon Henderson.
“We get people from Benton Harbor, we get people from the region, every business in the community will make money if they’ve got something to sell of something,” Henderson said. “So it’s not just going to benefit this particular fest, and hopefully it’ll continue.”
Community and Economic Development Director Alex Little said there used to be a Riverfest about 30 years ago that was a success, and with development since then, this Riverfest could mean bigger economic development. Commissioners had some questions about vendors that will be ironed out as the festival approaches.
